Title
Annual Membership Agreement with Arizona State University’s Southwest Pavement Technology Consortium (Ordinance S-51630) - Citywide
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement for an annual membership with Arizona State University’s (ASU) Southwest Pavement Technology Consortium. Further request an exemption from the indemnification prohibition set forth in the Phoenix City Code Section 42-18 for a governmental entity pursuant to Phoenix City Code Section 42-20.
Report
Summary
The Street Transportation Department (Streets) requests annual membership with ASU's Southwest Pavement Technology Consortium. The consortium is an alliance between academic, agency, and industry members, whereby the parties strategically advance fundamental research activities and training in pavement science and engineering.
Roads are among the most critical assets of the City of Phoenix. Streets is responsible for maintaining over 4,800 street miles with an annual consumption of over 500,000 tons of asphalt material, with an equivalent market value of approximately $100 million. Lack of consistent funding and increasing construction costs have been a challenge for many state and local agencies, including the City. Phoenix's street infrastructure is also challenged by the changing climate, with extreme heat and intensifying flooding events.
Membership with the consortium will allow Streets to partner with ASU and take part in innovative and advanced technologies, primarily focused on areas of pavement materials (asphalt and concrete mixes, base, and subgrade components), construction, preservation and rehabilitation, design, sustainable practices, and life-cycle management. By participating in the consortium, the City will be able to access cutting-edge research and solutions tailored to its transportation needs, potentially saving millions of dollars on pavement projects by staying current with modern practices. In addition, the consortium offers a unique opportunity to support sustainability efforts, particularly in mitigating heat through effective pavement solutions, while maintaining resilient infrastructure. The partnership also aids workforce development by connecting the City with well-trained students and providing high-quality training for inspectors and contractors. Finally, joining the consortium enhances the City’s legacy by partnering with a globally recognized university, fostering public trust, and contributing to the nation’s only pavement consortium, which bridges academia, industry, and government agencies.
Contract Term
This request is for a one-year membership with ASU’s Southwest Pavement Technology Consortium.
Financial Impact
The annual membership fee is $50,000 for ASU’s Southwest Pavement Technology Consortium. Funding is available in the Street Transportation Department's Capital Improvement Program budget.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Street Transportation Department.